Do you work in a quarry? A simple guide the the Quarries ... - HSE

Health and Safety
Executive
Workforce participation
Although operators and contractors must take the initiative to ensure health and
safety, if quarries are to be made safer everyone working at a quarry must help, by
pointing out risks and suggesting improvements. Everyone working there must also
comply with the site rules and do their work safely. A committee can be appointed
by the workforce or a body representing it, eg a trade union. Two members of this
committee have the right to:
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inspect and take samples after an accident or dangerous occurrence;
carry out an inspection of every part of the quarry at monthly intervals,
accompanied, if they wish, by their advisors;
study the health and safety document;
review any risk assessments which form part of the health and safety document
and suggest improvements; and
make a written report on any health and safety problems found during their
inspections.
These rights are in addition to those provided under the Safety Representatives and
Safety Committees Regulations 1977 and the Health and Safety (Consultation with
Employees) Regulations 1996 (see ‘Further reading’).
The health and safety document
Every operator, no matter how small the quarry, must prepare a health and safety
document. Its purpose is to demonstrate that the risks at the quarry have been
identified and are properly controlled. It helps everyone to understand their health
and safety responsibilities and how they fit in with others. Everyone working at the
quarry can make a useful contribution in identifying the risks and preparing the
document.
It must set out in writing, in a way which can be understood by everyone who
works there, key information about health and safety at the quarry.
This includes:
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what the risks are;
the measures taken to control those risks;
how the quarry is managed; and
how the work of everyone, including contractors, is co-ordinated.
The health and safety document must be updated as things change or as more is
learned about the risks. It must be available to every employer and person at work
at the quarry.
Training and competence
Everyone working at a quarry must be competent for the work they do. They must
be properly trained and have the experience and knowledge to work safely. Some
need formal qualifications, eg explosives supervisors, geotechnical specialists and
shotfirers.
There must be suitable induction for everyone new to the site. This needs to include
a site tour explaining relevant hazards and how they are dealt with and also the
first-aid and other emergency arrangements. In addition, training or coaching will
often be required for people taking on new responsibilities or using new equipment
or systems of work.
Do you work in a quarry?
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